Announce to your entourage that you’re leaving for some distant place, even for a short time, and inevitably a large number of invitations will come your way. “We have to see each other before you go!” Naturally, you are far too busy wrapping up the details of travel, packing and work to accept them all. You might have preferred a get-together upon your return, but rarely are the invitations of a post-travel nature.
What is the source of this universal urge to see someone who is leaving? Are we afraid on some unconscious level that they may never return, either due to some unfortunate accident or the overwhelming attraction of a place that they may adopt as their new home? We might live in the same city and go months without seeing each other, but as soon as the other announces their intention to leave, however briefly, a get-together is required. Perhaps we wish to share in their experience by seeing them just before they leave, and greeting them upon their return. Whatever the case, it’s always pleasant to see that people will miss our presence.
And so, to all the friends I could not see before leaving: I’m looking forward to getting together when I get back!
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